President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Friday night after deadly riots and looting which claimed the lives of more than 200 people.
Earlier today, I visited the areas of KwaMashu, Springfield, Mobeni and Umlazi in KwaZulu-Natal, which have been sites of unprecedented violence and destruction over the past several days.But what is most devastating is the toll that these events have taken on people’s lives, livelihoods and sense of security.It is clear now that the events of the past week were nothing less than a deliberate, coordinated and well-planned attack on our democracy.
The ensuing chaos is used as a smokescreen to carry out economic sabotage through targeted attacks on trucks, factories, warehouses and other infrastructure necessary for the functioning of our economy and the provision of services to our people. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have lost their lives to this senseless violence. This is a pain that no family and no community should have to endure.
According to preliminary reports compiled by NatJoints, extensive damage has been caused to 161 malls and shopping centres, 11 warehouses, 8 factories and 161 liquor outlets and distributors.As this government, we must acknowledge that we were poorly prepared for an orchestrated campaign of public violence, destruction and sabotage of this nature.
Once this crisis has passed, we will undertake a thorough and critical review of our preparedness and our response.Secondly, to secure essential supplies and infrastructure,Fourthly, to encourage the active efforts of citizens in defence of lives, livelihoods and democracy. I want to emphasise that there is no shortage of food or supplies in most parts of the country, and that panic buying will only worsen the situation.
For now, it is our firm view that the deployment of our security forces, working together with communities and social partners across the country, will be able to restore order and prevent further violence.We will identify and act against those who lit the flame, and those who spread it. The violence and destruction has done enormous damage to our economy at a time when we are struggling to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.Ultimately, it will deepen poverty and cause even greater hardship for millions of South Africans.These events have also disrupted our COVID-19 vaccination programme in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng just as it was gaining momentum.
We are working hard to bring all SASSA offices into operation. Cash pay points are expected to resume services from the 19th of July in all the areas that have been declared safe to operate. This includes the provision of emergency food relief and other assistance to those in greatest distress. Those responsible for organising this campaign of violence and destruction have not yet been apprehended and their networks have not yet been dismantled.We welcome the unwavering support from religious, traditional, political party, labour and business leaders.
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